Community Projects

York Archaeological Trust and its group of attractions (JORVIK, DIG, Barley Hall and the Richard III and Henry VII Experiences) work with the community on many exciting projects, from book reading challenges and themed parades, to creating brand new animations on an historical theme.

Biomation Film Project

As part of the 27th JORVIK Viking festival, JORVIK commissioned local animation company, Biomation, who recruited a small team of young animators to help create a piece that showed a less well known side to the Vikings – sensitive artisans and well-travelled traders.

After visiting the museum to gather inspiration the team set off to create a short humorous animation to be shown at the festival. We hope you enjoy the film!

Hungate Community Art

In 2010, an exhibition featuring 24 paintings with a ‘city walls’ theme, created by local community groups were displayed on the hoardings at Hungate. The initiative was a partnership between York Archaeological Trust, the Arts and Culture Service at the City of York Council, Hungate (York) Regeneration Ltd and Yorkshire artists Mary Pasari, Cheryl Colley and Lisa Nicholson.

Under the guidance of the three artists; Cheryl (with Arts Alive, Glen Lodge and York A team), Mary (with Aspire) and Lisa (with Greenworks), the outdoor artwork was produced by five community groups, involving over 50 people. Each group, including adults with mental health issues, learning difficulties and aspergers syndrome; older people in sheltered housing; and homeless people in the city – worked over three months to create the paintings based around history, people, views from the walls, nature and stonework. Each used different aspects of the city walls to influence their work, which was evident in the huge variety of subject matter, technique and style.

If you are part of a community group and would like to get involved, please contact Jane Stockdale, Audience Development Manager, at jstockdale@yorkat.co.uk or on 01904 543400.

Community Projects run by the York Archaeological Trust

Every plot of land has a story to tell. There are over 1000 allotments in York – over 1000 different stories to be unearthed – by using geophysics, test-pitting and looking at finds as well as digging through memories, documents, oral history and archival research. More information is available on the Plotting the Past website.

Community Archaeology: If you are interested in historic buildings, landscapes, communities or objects we want to help you to find out more about them. If there is a history or archaeology project already running in your area, and you want some specialist help or advice, call us! More information is on the Community Archaeology website.